Fentanyl bust in Pasco County leads to multiple arrests, federal charges

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – A drug bust in Pasco County lead to several arrest and indictments.

Five men were arrested in Operation “Now You ‘Z’ Me, Now You Don’t.”

Narcotics detectives tell us they were part of a growing drug epidemic in Pasco County and Edwin Z. Hill was the ring leader.

William Gaston and Nelson White were also arrested.

All three have been indicted.

“This is a brief break down of the hierarchy of the drug trafficking organization,” said Captain Mike Jenkins, with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

In a collaborative effort, agents begin looking at these drug laundering suspects nine months ago.

“We found that on the US 19 corridor in Holiday and New Port Richey particularly is where we were experiencing the vast number of overdoses and overdose deaths,” said Jenkins.

Raids included one at a home on Lady Fish Court in New Port Richey back in September.

Another raid was conducted at a house on Guardian Avenue in Holiday and during a traffic stop.

In all, agents seized $400,000, eight firearms, ammunition and large amounts of crack cocaine, heroin and Fentanyl.

Neighbors who lived near these dealers say they’re relieved they’re off the streets.

“We’re a quiet neighborhood here and there was no evidence of anything going on. Just a little bit of foot traffic,” said David Ries.

It’s a warning to other suppliers.

“We will find you and we will arrest you and you will be held to the highest level of legal accountability possible,” said Jenkins.

The federal government has notified Hill that they plan to forfeit his home on Guardian Avenue, where one of the bust took place.

Charges for all three men range from trafficking, possession of firearms and conspiracy.